Saskatoon, SK – July 2, 2009 - UFCW Canada Local 1400 has pledged to appeal a recent Saskatchewan lower court decision that overturned a long-awaited union certificate for a Walmart in Weyburn. “The appeal is just another battle in a long fight that we will not, and cannot, back down from,” says Local 1400 President Norm Neault.

“Helping Walmart workers make a stand and exercise their rights is something we need to do for them, for our members, and, ultimately, for Saskatchewan.”

Local 1400’s commitment to Weyburn Walmart workers goes back to April 2004 when, after the ‘associates’ led an enthusiastic organizing drive, the province’s largest private-sector local union applied for certification. Five years – and numerous Walmart inspired legal challenges – later, the labour board ruled in favour of the workers.

“The court’s decision to void the Weyburn Walmart certificate is a setback for the workers and the collective bargaining rights of all Canadians,” says UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley.

“The situation in Weyburn is a perfect example of how multi-national corporations, with bottomless legal budgets, are allowed to never-endingly drag out the process. As working Canadians we need to start supporting politicians who are serious about creating a labour relations system that reflects 21st century realities.”